Any tips for cruising with a 10 month old

[princessfan12]

This will be our first cruise with a baby and I just want to make sure that I bring everything she may need. Any pros out there that have done a cruise with a 10 month old before? I don't ever recall seeing any strollers on board before but I assume I can use it??? Any other suggestions you think may help are great!

[stoneharborlady]

I would be certain to pack enough diapers, they might not be available on board, along with favorite baby foods. Stroller will not be a problem, but cannot be kept in the corridor, must be kept in the cabin.

 

Sometimes parents are surprised to learn that babies in diapers (even swim diapers) are not permitted in the pools. This is mandated by the Center for Disease Control, not made up by the cruise line. Some ignore this, but one small accident can cause the pool to be closed for emptying, and cleaning.

 

The crew loves babies, often missing their own babies at home.

[paul929207]

There is a family section to these boards that probably will have some ideas for you.

[4x4bob]

Have you done any planning for Ship offered Tours while in Port? Tours can run from 1 to 6 hours and some can be very labor intensive.

 

While researching in the family section you might also ask how others with very young kids handled tours.

 

 

 

Bob

[Toto2Kansas]

Also keep in mind there is no childcare or babysitting of any kind onboard Princess ships for a child of this age. So, prepare yourself to spend the entire cruise with your child, unless you are sailing with family and friends that might lend a hand so you can have a few hours out and about by yourselves. ;)

[robgvic]

Leave the baby at home with grand parents and enjoy a well deserved vacation with just the two of you.

[UandMe4Ever]

Also keep in mind there is no childcare or babysitting of any kind onboard Princess ships for a child of this age. So, prepare yourself to spend the entire cruise with your child, unless you are sailing with family and friends that might lend a hand so you can have a few hours out and about by yourselves. ;)

 

You will probably have no time to relax unless the baby takes a little nap. How will you handle your dining experience if the little one cries, etc.? It can be disturbing to people trying to enjoy their dinner meal...

Certainly cannot put him/her in any pool for sanitary reasons...

It's up to you, but...I'd see if a grandparent could watch the baby and have yourselves a much needed vacation! Safe the money of the baby's fare toward your next cruise;)

Enjoy whatever and safe sails to you!

[Carolyn R]

I would say to book a balcony, a Caribe deck balconcy if possible for the extra outdoor room. Bring your stroller, Pack-and-Play, and maybe a baby backpack. You can definitely have an enjoyable time with plenty of other eating options other than the MDR. If you do have a balcony you could also do the Ultimate balcony dinner and breakfast. My grandson had a small blow-up duck baby bathtub that my son would fill with water that he could play in. Have fun and some relaxed family time!

[ksm77]

I don't think I would ever take a child that young on a cruise. As others have said you have no baby sitting options for a your child. In the MDR others will not take kindly to a crying baby. Many people are there to get away from kids for a vacation. I would not want to be seated next to a baby that cried every night. If you are willing to get up in the middle of your meal and leave the MDR then that is up to you. I know many people feel children should be a part of all experiences. That is fine as long as they do not disturb others. I also don't really see how you will be able to take part and enjoy all the things the ship has to offer with a 10 month old. If other people beside your DH are coming to help out then that would be different.

[Essiesmom]

Get your toddler accustomed to showers, as there are not tubs in cabins until you get to suites. MDR will be happy to puree any foods if necessary, you do not need to bring baby food. They do not sell baby products onboard, no diapers, wipes, etc.

Go to the Family Cruises board, under Special Interest cruising. You will get encouragement there, as opposed to the opinions here (which are typical for the cruise line boards). EM

[robsaw]

On our last cruise we ran into a Mom (with baby in arms) that was lamenting that she was not properly informed about the limitations applicable to a non-toilet-trained baby. She got bad advice - so just realize that there will be no activities for a 10-month old that don't also require your presence and many activities that will exclude a 10-month old.

[karatemom2]

Please don't listen to the naysayers. They always pop up with negative comments whenever a question like this is posed here. While it takes extra effort to travel with a baby, many do it and appear to have a great time. We have met many families traveling with babies and young children and they have reported having a wonderful time. The crew loves babies and will dote on your child as if their own. I remember one cruise where the Maitre D' literally carried a baby around the dining room singing to her. As has been pointed out there is no babysitting service, but you can go to the Pelican Room during designated hours as long as you stay there and play with your little one. Here is a link to the Family Board where you will find a much more supportive environment:

 

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/forumdisplay.php?f=49

 

And to those who posted such negative comments to the OP, she wasn't asking for permission to take her baby, she was asking for helpful advice not rude, judgmental remarks. I particularly bristle everytime I see the grandparent comment. How presumptious to think that every parent has grandparents available at their beck and call for babysitting services and even if that were the case, perhaps some prefer to keep the family together when they travel. Many people do not want to leave their children behind but prefer to share vacations as a family. We have traveled with many babies over our years of cruising and never once have we found a single parent who expressed regret.

 

I agree that it requires extra effort on the part of the parents, but then again every senior I see traveling with a wheelchair or scooter requires extra effort. Does that mean they should just stay home? I agree that it is always important to be considerate of your fellow cruisers whether you are traveling with a baby, toddler, child, teen, spouse, significant other, disabled or elderly person, etc. Good manners and respect for fellow passengers applies to all ages and it starts with being accepting and hopefully supportive of the fact that everyone is hoping to enjoy a nice vacation and wouldn't it be just peachy if we could all remember that.

[EdJS]

Leave the baby at home with grand parents and enjoy a well deserved vacation with just the two of you.

 

We cruised with our baby just last week. The grandparents came with us, in a stateroom just down the hall. My sister also came with her family. So there were plenty of people on board to help babysit.

[EdJS]

I don't think I would ever take a child that young on a cruise. As others have said you have no baby sitting options for a your child. In the MDR others will not take kindly to a crying baby. Many people are there to get away from kids for a vacation. I would not want to be seated next to a baby that cried every night. If you are willing to get up in the middle of your meal and leave the MDR then that is up to you. I know many people feel children should be a part of all experiences. That is fine as long as they do not disturb others. I also don't really see how you will be able to take part and enjoy all the things the ship has to offer with a 10 month old. If other people beside your DH are coming to help out then that would be different.

 

As I just mentioned we just took our baby on a cruise last week, with his grandparents and assorted other relatives.

 

Of course, we did whatever was necessary to prevent him from being an annoyance to other people, including removing him from public situations when he acted up.

 

But to be fair, the MDR is a very noisy place in general. The level of conversation is very high. Plates, utensils, and glasses are clattering all around. I was surprised how loud a sound our baby could make with nobody noticing anything at all, even at nearby tables.

[EdJS]

Get your toddler accustomed to showers, as there are not tubs in cabins until you get to suites. MDR will be happy to puree any foods if necessary, you do not need to bring baby food. They do not sell baby products onboard, no diapers, wipes, etc.

Go to the Family Cruises board, under Special Interest cruising. You will get encouragement there, as opposed to the opinions here (which are typical for the cruise line boards). EM

 

Our stateroom steward provided a baby bathtub that just fit into the shower stall. It was perfect!

[junglejane]

And to those who posted such negative comments to the OP, she wasn't asking for permission to take her baby, she was asking for helpful advice not rude, judgmental remarks. I particularly bristle everytime I see the grandparent comment. How presumptious to think that every parent has grandparents available at their beck and call for babysitting services and even if that were the case, perhaps some prefer to keep the family together when they travel. Many people do not want to leave their children behind but prefer to share vacations as a family.

 

Karatemom2, I also bristle everytime I see the grandparent comment. It's sort of a sore point with me. The primary reason we got started on cruising was that our parents are either unable or unwilling to spend significant time with their grandkids. Not everyone has healthy, capable, willing grandparents who can take appropriate care of the kids for a week or more.

[Alli Cruiser]

Julmac,

You don't say where you are cruising to but I would take extra diapers et al in case you miss a port for whatever reason and have a delay in re-provisioning.

 

I would also discuss your travel plans with your pediatrician to ensure you are most prepared and cover any geographical considerations.

 

My kids are teens now but we did our first trip to Europe when my older son was 15 months. We never had the grandparent option. In retrospect, maybe that was a good thing as my kids have now traveled extensively and learned to have an awareness and tolerance of people and cultures that are different from us. We are middle-class but realize how much we have learned on our trips and budget to allow travel.

 

I agree with Karate Mom about good manners- no matter who is traveling. We have always tried to be respectful of others.

[rolloman]

Have you picked a ship yet or have one in mind? Why I am asking because it makes all the difference in what help I can give you. Most of the advice you have recieved so far is all over the place, the fact is it really depends on what ship you have in mind before you can get sound advice.

[Essiesmom]

Have you picked a ship yet or have one in mind? Why I am asking because it makes all the difference in what help I can give you. Most of the advice you have recieved so far is all over the place, the fact is it really depends on what ship you have in mind before you can get sound advice.

 

I think the OP is on Princess, as this thread was moved from that board. EM

[sailorschelle]

My baby did her first cruise at 12 months. We were living in Europe, and it was a cruise over there, so no grandparent option. We arranged our own off-ship activities, including city tour/train, Hop-on Hop Off Bus, and one day that we split up (hubby wanted to do the casino in Monte Carlo, baby and I took the bus to Nice). We took an inflatable tub/pool, had a balcony, used in-cabin babysitting (we were on RCL). Was it the same as cruising pre-baby? No way. The memories are great though, especially the time we spent in Pisa, with the Japanese tourists loving and taking pictures of my blue-eyed little girl in her backpack. We did use the stroller, as well, but the backpack was great for sightseeing.

Have a great time!

[princessfan12]

Have you picked a ship yet or have one in mind? Why I am asking because it makes all the difference in what help I can give you. Most of the advice you have recieved so far is all over the place, the fact is it really depends on what ship you have in mind before you can get sound advice.

 

Yes, I'm already booked on the Emerald Princess in October for a 10 day southern Caribbean. We're in an aft balcony.

 

Thanks to all the others with actual advice! We've travelled a lot already with our baby(she's been to Europe twice already) but I didn't want to end up on the ship and realize I had forgotten something that I could not buy in the Caribbean. I will definitely be taking lots of diapers and lots of ready to feed formula bottles. I already purchased a blow up tub/pool to bring and I have her usual suitcase to fill with her toys. I'm not really planning on doing any shore excursions, the last few cruises we have done we have just walked around and then head back to the ship to enjoy some time on the boat. We've always been very considerate of others around us and would most definitely never keep her in the mdr if she was fussing. Fortunately for us she rarely fusses and has slept through the night since she was 3.5months...yes we are lucky:)

 

To all the naysayers, you sound so bitter! I could say if you are so concerned by those who vacation around you, i.e. people with children then perhaps you should rent a quite cottage on a lake instead of an enclosed space with 3000 passengers! In all seriousness, I don't actually believe that, as we all have the right to vacation where we want to...remember the cruise is a public(to those who pay for it) not private space. I'm not looking for someone else to care for my child, that is my responsibility and I consider myself lucky to have 1yr maternity to spend with her. If I was looking for someone to babysit her I would bring my maid not my mother or mother in law. For any of you grumpy pants on the oct 29th cruise you better bring your earplugs...although I'm pretty sure you won't need them!

[robgvic]

Julmac 123. I find your reply very rude . You appear to be the inconsiderate one. Ihave been disturbed a couple of times with crying babies on the ship and , yes,even in the dining room so am now twice shy. After your reply i wouldn't hesitate to contact the maitre d' in teh dining room. It is too bad you do not consider your daughter and allow her the freedom of playing in her home and sleeping in her bed.

[rolloman]

Ok great. Emerald is a nice ship. One thing princess does is allows you to take your under 3 into the kids club area and as long as you stay, the child is free to play. They do have a few neat things a 10 month old can participate in. Princess does a great job of giving you jars of gerber baby food in the dining room and they will also mush any food you want for your child. Bring an IPOD with some Elmo movies loaded on it, my little one always loved that while she sat in her high chair. Also bring a light stroller not the big one. The big one will be a hassle going through the passageways. As far as the diapers formula and water goes, check it with the porter. Slap a luggage tag on it and it will be delivered right to your room. Bring your own sheet for the pack n play they will lend you. Get a balcony so you can go outside while you child naps. The mini suites on Emerald Princess are actually the perfect cabin as far as space goes for a small family.

[karatemom2]

Julmac 123. I find your reply very rude . You appear to be the inconsiderate one. Ihave been disturbed a couple of times with crying babies on the ship and , yes,even in the dining room so am now twice shy. After your reply i wouldn't hesitate to contact the maitre d' in teh dining room. It is too bad you do not consider your daughter and allow her the freedom of playing in her home and sleeping in her bed.

 

Did you miss the sentence where she clearly stated if her daughter was fussy they would leave the MDR?

 

If I'm following your logic because you have been disturbed a couple of times in the MDR by crying babies, all babies should stay home where you have determined they are happier. And if someone opts to do something different then you suggest, they are inconsiderate. Hmmm.

 

On two separate cruises I have been hit (and quite hard) - once by a wheelchair and once literally had my foot run over by a scooter. So I guess by your logic I should assume all people in wheelchairs or scooters are inconsiderate and should stay home. In both instances, however, I realized that the person likely did not mean to injure me. Furthermore I realize people who are dealing with using devices to assist with a disability are, like me, just trying to enjoy a nice vacation. So I would never presume to paint all with a broad brush and presume to decide who should be allowed to take a cruise vacation and who should not. Tolerance is a wonderful thing.:)

[beachchick]

Leave the baby at home with grand parents and enjoy a well deserved vacation with just the two of you.

 

And perhaps they will in the future, but this time they clearly want to cruise with their little one. While we wouldn't have taken our daughter on a cruise that young, it is a personal choice. We did travel with her from infancy (camping to start, followed by many kinds of trips), so we know how challenging it can be. IMO, the more you expose your children to variety, but easier it is for them later in life. For us, travel also meant our daughter spending time with grandparents and other close relatives. She is very flexible in her everyday life, adapts to change, and can make the best of most situations.

 

As an aside, I believe that parents should, from time to time and when they feel it's appropriate, take getaways on their own to remember that they are a couple, partners in life, and not solely parents. It is easy to forget that in the 24/7 times of parenting, which is why my hubby and I took at least one long weekend every year for the health of our marriage and family. I know not all parents have that option and some do not have that desire. Still, I urge parents to at least have "date nights" both for their adult relationship and so that their children learn, slowly and without too much trauma, that their parents will return, that they will be okay, and that they are not the center of the entire universe 24/7.

 

But I digress with all my ramblings...What I mean to say is that I think it's great for parents to travel with their children from as young an age as reasonable, depending on health, temperament, etc. In many ways, cruising can be an ideal vacation for families with children of all ages. When parents are considerate of others, when they are consistent in expectations of their children's behavior, and when they understand that there are adults only activities and venues onboard (just as there are child only activities and venues), then it's all good.

 

This will be our first cruise with a baby and I just want to make sure that I bring everything she may need. Any pros out there that have done a cruise with a 10 month old before? I don't ever recall seeing any strollers on board before but I assume I can use it??? Any other suggestions you think may help are great!

 

A few small things. Definitely bring a stroller that reclines and is comfortable, but consider one on the smaller side. Some of the jogging and SUV-style ones are so long and so wide that they are quite difficult to manuever onboard in the passageways, especially when the stewards carts are there. They can be hard to use in the elevators and can make it tough for other passengers to get around. If the stroller is wider than about 24 inches (depending on the ship), it will have to be folded when you go to your cabin, as it will not fit through the door and cannot be left in the passageway. As well, those with single forward wheels can be tough in the more crowded areas. I know some parents bring them and manage, but many parents compromise between the mondo size and the umbrella style.

 

At 10 months, she'll likely be on some solid foods. There are plenty of things you can order or find at the buffet and squish for easy eating. On many ships, the galley crew will puree items for you. Unless she is very sensitive and needs special food, you really won't need to bring much onboard, except perhaps a favorite item to have available on demand. If she's nursing, excellent; if not, no need to bring bottled water for formula because the water onboard is so good you can use that for mixing.

 

Bring baby strength OTC medications. Bring a few favorite toys and at least one favorite blankie. Having a few familiar things in new surroundings can be really calming. Bring ziplocks or similar for poopy diapers. I am sure I read about a special type of disposable bag specifically for that use, but I don't remember details. Bring fitted crib or pack 'n play sheets because nearly every parent reports that the ship crew use flat sheets tucked under, which (as you know) is far from ideal. Pack hats and baby sunscreen if you're going to be outdoors. A small flat sheet or thin blanket can be a good screen on the stroller if/when she's sleeping.

 

Most important: Be flexible and bring extra patience. If this is your little one's first trip, it will be a learning experience for all of you. The crew will no doubt dote on her and make you feel special too. How can it be otherwise? Someone will cook your meals, clean up, and allow you to feel pampered. Have a wonderful time.:)

 

beachchick